Mel Brooks isn’t leaving anything to chance, and he has the punchline to prove it. At 100, Brooks insisted that the directors film his scenes first for the upcoming “Spaceballs” sequel. Co-star Daphne Zuniga shared the story at a 90s Con panel in Hartford, Connecticut, on Sunday, October 18.
What Zuniga said
Zuniga said Brooks worked with the writers on the film and was a big influence on it. The best part was why he went first. She said it was his idea: “You better film me now because I’m 100.” She added, “So we did.”
What is “Spaceballs: The New One”?
It’s the sequel to the 1987 sci-fi parody “Spaceballs,” which Brooks wrote and directed. Brooks is set to reprise his role as the alien Yogurt. The film will be released in theaters on April 23, 2027. That date coincides with the 40th anniversary of the original.
Who’s in it?
- Josh Greenbaum directs, and the cast includes Keke Palmer, Josh Gad and Lewis Pullman. Gad is also a co-writer and producer.
- Deadline reports Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis will return as Lone Starr and Dark Helmet. Moranis is returning to the big screen after a break of about 30 years, and he received a standing ovation at Comic-Con.
- Zuniga will reprise her role as Princess Vespa.
Brooks’s sense of humor, still intact
At Comic-Con, Brooks didn’t attend in person but recorded a video for the audience. He joked that on a Friday, when he was their age, he’d go to something called work. When the sequel was announced, he captioned the video “I told you we’d be back” and ended it with “May the Schwartz be with you.” The director also joked that Brooks found the funding in his basement, and that he doesn’t need any more money.
Why it matters
Brooks is one of the last living legends of classic American comedy. Filming his scenes first means his part in the sequel is complete, whatever happens next.
Bottom line
A 100-year-old comedy legend made sure he’d be in the movie, and made a joke about it. That’s pure Mel Brooks, and fans will have to wait until April 2027 to see the result.
